United Nations
Office for Disarmament
Affairs
Spotlights
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
UNODA organizes Basic Training ‘Refresher’ for UNSGM Experts
From 5 to 11 October 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs organized a Basic Training ‘Refresher’ course for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM) in Cha Am, Thailand.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Remarks to the Opening of the 80th Session of the First Committee of the General Assembly
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu delivered remarks to the opening of the 80th Session of the First Committee at the United Nations Headquarters.
Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: New Ratification and Signature
On 26 Sept, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons was ratified by Ghana and was signed by Kyrgyzstan.
Full version: 2024 Disarmament Yearbook
The full edition of the 2024 UN Disarmament Yearbook is out!
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Remarks at the 2025 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Article XIV Conference
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu delivered Remarks at the 2025 Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) Article XIV Conference at the United Nations Headquarters.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has ratified the Kinshasa Convention, becoming the 9th State party
On 25 Sept, the Democratic Republic of the Congo ratified the Central African Convention for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Remarks at the First Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
The High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu delivered remarks at the First Ministerial Meeting of the Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Remarks at the Release of the Report: "The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future"
Launch of the Secretary-General report “The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future”
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu’s Video Message
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu’s Video Message to the Hybrid Discussion on Reinforcing Negative Security Assurances in the Context of Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones and the Global Non-proliferation Regime
Updates
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
UNODA organizes Basic Training ‘Refresher’ for UNSGM Experts
From 5 to 11 October 2025, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs organized a Basic Training ‘Refresher’ course for the United Nations Secretary-General’s Mechanism for Investigations of Alleged Use of Chemical and Biological Weapons (UNSGM) in Cha Am, Thailand.
Basic training courses for the UNSGM are aimed at providing experts nominated by UN Member States to the UNSGM roster with a better understanding of their role in carrying out investigations of alleged use of biological weapons should they be deployed as…
1540 TechHorizon Launched: Exploring Future Opportunities
A consortium of experts from universities across the United Kingdom (UK) and government officials gathered in London on 18 September 2025 to launch the 1540 TechHorizon initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs.
The initiative aims to explore how UK-based academic, technical, and policy communities can contribute collaboratively to the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540, especially in the face of the threat from emerging technologies, as well as the opportunities presented by new technology. Convened by the…
Regional Workshop on the Implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention in Central Asia and Mongolia
From 23 to 24 September 2025, in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Implementation Support Unit (ISU) of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) within the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) organized a regional workshop on the implementation of the BWC in Central Asia and Mongolia. The workshop was held in cooperation with the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The purpose of the workshop was to deepen participants’ understanding of the Convention and to inform about the efforts within…
African diplomats and experts reflect on developments in science and technology and their implications for international peace and security and on the Continent
On 17 September, the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) convened a virtual regional briefing on Security and Technology for African diplomats and experts. The objective was to prepare delegates, both in New York and in capitals, for the upcoming 80th session of the First Committee of the General Assembly scheduled for October in New York. The briefing, organized in collaboration with UNODA’s Science, Technology and International Security Unit (STU), unpacked the emerging international peace and security threats posed by artificial intelligence,…
Events and Announcements
See the top events and announcements from UNODA.
Meetings and Events
Announcements
2024 Disarmament Yearbook
The full edition of the 2024 Disarmament Yearbook is out!
Gender Perspectives course
New "Gender Perspectives on Disarmament" course available
SG Statements
HR Statements
Press Releases
ODA at a glance
UNODA supports the development and implementation of practical disarmament measures after a conflict, such as disarming and demobilizing former combatants and helping them to reintegrate in civil society.
Established in January 1998
United Nations ODA was established in January 1998 as the Department for Disarmament Affairs which was part of the SG’s programme for reform in accordance with his report to the General Assembly (A/51/950).
Supports General and complete disarmament
The Office for Disarmament Affairs supports multilateral efforts aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. The mandate for the programme is derived from the priorities established in relevant General Assembly resolutions and decisions in the field of disarmament, including the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly, the first special session devoted to disarmament (resolution S-10/2).
Provides support in the area of disarmament
UNODA provides substantive and organizational support for norm-setting in the area of disarmament through the work of the General Assembly and its First Committee, the Disarmament Commission, the Conference on Disarmament and other bodies. It fosters disarmament measures through dialogue, transparency and confidence-building on military matters, and encourages regional disarmament efforts; these include the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms and regional forums.
Provides information to Member States
UNODA provides objective, impartial and up-to-date information on multilateral disarmament issues and activities to Member States, States parties to multilateral agreements, intergovernmental organizations and institutions, departments and agencies of the United Nations system, research and educational institutions, civil society, especially non-governmental organizations, the media and the general public.
Structure of ODA
The main parts of the Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Support to multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation efforts with respect to weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Conventional Arms
Focusing disarmament and arms control efforts on all weapons not considered WMD, including small arms and light weapons (SALW).
Regional Disarmament
The enhancement of global disarmament and international peace and security through the support and promotion of regional disarmament efforts.
Emerging Challenges
Include UNODA’s work in science and technology, AI, autonomous weapons, ICT and outer space, among other areas.
Cross-cutting issues
Include UNODA’s work in education, youth, gender, counter-terrorism the environment, among other areas.
Watch and Learn
Video and audio from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies, funds, and programmes.
What is disarmament?
Throughout history, countries have pursued disarmament to stop arms races, build trust, and protect people from harm. Disarmament has been central to the work of the United Nations since its founding, and it is critical for building a more secure and peaceful world. But what actually is disarmament? This video introduces audiences to the ideas and concepts behind disarmament and arms control.
How does disarmament and arms control work?
This video takes a look at the processes and mechanisms behind modern disarmament and arms control, and how we work together to realise disarmament goals.
How to engage
In this video we look at how individuals can engage with disarmament, and the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination at all levels. We also look at the need to engage with more diverse groups to bring new perspectives, expertise and ideas to the table.
Disarmament in the 21st Century
This video introduces audiences to “Securing our Common Future”, the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament. The Agenda is based on four key pillars designed to bring the objectives of disarmament into the 21st century. Examining each of the pillars, this video looks at how we approach disarmament today.
Disarmament and the Sustainable Development Goals
Here we take a look at the vital role disarmament and arms control play in achieving the sustainable development goals.
